The NBA season is fast approaching, and the landscape of the league, shaped by its veteran and emerging talents, promises an exhilarating year ahead. Central to this excitement is the legendary LeBron James, now 39 years old, who continues to defy age with landmark achievements. Recently crowned the most valuable player of the 2024 Olympics, James also secured an MVP title in the NBA's inaugural In-Season Tournament, further cementing his status as one of the game's greats.
"Sure, it's unreasonable to expect the impending quadragenarian to be the NBA's best player over the course of an 82-game season anymore, but make no mistake, in a smaller sample, there still might not be a single player in all of basketball that inspires more fear in his opponents than LeBron James," observes Sam Quinn.
Durant's Consistency Amid High Expectations
Kevin Durant, at 35 years old, remains a force to be reckoned with. Ranked 9th in the Top 100, Durant's stellar performance sees no sign of decline as he averaged 27-6-5 on 41% from beyond the arc last season, playing an impressive 75 games. Known for his offensive prowess, Durant retained his title as the best isolation scorer in basketball.
"Durant remains pretty close to the height of his powers. Last season he averaged 27-6-5 on 41% 3-point shooting... Durant was the best isolation scorer in basketball last season," notes Brad Botkin.
Curry's Timeless Offense
Stephen Curry, another all-time great, continues to leave a mark at 36 years old. Ranked 6th in the Top 100, Curry's offensive skills show little signs of wear. Known for his inimitable movement and pure shot-making talent, he remains critical to his team's success.
"Curry is still an offense unto himself with his inimitable movement and pure shot-making talent. At 36 years old, it's hard to see where he's declined at all offensively," adds Brad Botkin.
Butler's Postseason Gear
Jimmy Butler, aged 35 and ranked 22nd in the Top 100, showcases a strategic pacing during the regular season, reserving his energy for the playoffs. His impact on the Miami Heat is clear, as the team outscored opponents by 1.7 points per 100 possessions when he was on the floor last season.
"Butler is what he is: A great player who paces himself in the regular season in order to produce superstar postseason stretches... The question is: Are the Heat still good enough to give Butler the opportunity to shift into his playoff gear?" ponders Brad Botkin.
Harden's New Chapter with the Clippers
James Harden, now 35 and ranked 44th in the Top 100, continues his basketball journey with the Los Angeles Clippers, his fourth team in as many years. Facing the task of carrying a larger scoring burden, Harden’s performance will be pivotal for the Clippers' relevance in the Western Conference.
"Harden's basketball odyssey took him to Los Angeles last season... Harden will need to take on a bigger scoring burden than he has in recent years in order for the Clippers to stay relevant in the Western Conference," comments Jack Maloney.
Veterans Making Waves
Paul George’s move to Philadelphia and veteran players like DeMar DeRozan, Mike Conley, Brook Lopez, Chris Paul, and Al Horford continue to shape the dynamics of their respective teams. Conley, now playing for the Timberwolves, remains a valuable asset at 36 years old, contributing both experience and skill.
"Conley will enter the upcoming season as one of the oldest players in the league, but he's also still one of the most valuable veterans a young team -- like the Timberwolves -- could have," asserts Jasmyn Wimbish.
Similarly, Brook Lopez, at 36, is ranked 88th in the Top 100 and is noted for his dual proficiency on both ends of the court. "Everyone wants a Brook Lopez... there simply aren't other centers who take nothing off of the floor on either end while adding quite a bit on both," remarks Sam Quinn.
Al Horford's crucial role in Boston's championship run last season hasn't gone unnoticed. Even though he didn't make it into the Top 100, his impact remains undeniable. "I'm actually quite surprised Horford didn't make our Top 100, but it just shows how much talent is in the NBA... he was one of the most important players on the floor for the Celtics," explains Jasmyn Wimbish.
As the new NBA season looms, the blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talents sets the stage for another phenomenal year of basketball. Fans eagerly anticipate the stories that will unfold, driven by the relentless pursuit of greatness by the league's most iconic players.